Sept. 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Latin and Hispanic heritage is celebrated across the United States. What started as a week-long holiday under President Johnson in 1968, eventually expanded to a month-long celebration by President Reagan in 1988, demonstrating how strongly Hispanic and Latine culture is intertwined with American history.
The recent overturning of the court case Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem — which had ruled that ICE agents targeting Californians based on their appearance, language or occupation, constituted illegal racial profiling — has allowed ICE agents to continue these practices. In an era marked by frequent ICE raids, one student is finding it hard to celebrate.
“To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month during tough times for our people doesn’t feel the same,” said Bianca Monge, a first-year student studying criminology and business administration.
“It doesn’t feel right to celebrate our month while our people [are] being taken away from families [and] from jobs. Nationwide events are being canceled due to it not even being safe to go outside to celebrate.”
It is important to stay safe when celebrating and take cautionary measures as needed. The LA Times, De Los edition, informed people of their rights and what to do when in an encounter with an ICE agent. “If ICE agents come to your home, legal experts and advocacy groups alike agree that the main thing to do is keep your door closed and locked. You have a right to remain silent and can refuse to answer any questions asked of you regarding immigration status. It is not required of you to sign any documents or share any personal information,” the article states.
In trying times like these, it’s vital that our Hispanic and Latine community here at DU feel represented and safe on campus. Student organizations like the Latine Student Alliance (LSA), the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) and PODER Latine (Política Organizada por Diversidad, Equidad, y Representación) provide spaces for students looking for a community surrounded by shared heritage.
The National Museum of the American Latino described Hispanic Heritage Month as, “an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys and achievements. Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together.”
One student stressed the importance of celebration as an act of resistance, to fight for what’s right with joy.
“To choose to celebrate and to stay vocal is in itself an act of resistance, in a time where our people as Latinos in this country are actively demonized and trying to be erased. This is an example of joy as resistance because just simply existing as oneself and choosing to celebrate your identity is now apparently radical,” Jessica Jimenez said, a second-year student studying sociology.
Hispanic Heritage month is a month of celebration for everyone, regardless of ethnic backgrounds. From the Colorado Rockies, Los Rockies game, to the Dia De Los Muertos at Market at The Center, there are many ways to get involved and support the Hispanic and Latine community here in Denver.
